 | | Old Wardour Castle | |
Old Wardour Castle was built in the late fourteenth century for John, Lord Lovel of Titchmarsh and was later rebuilt in the sixteenth century. It was not only a commanding stronghold but an impressive residence, the castle's location adding to the overall impact. Old Wardour is now a ruin but much of the building is intact and its location makes it a popular destination for people keen to explore Wardour's old apartments as well as its romantic setting, situated as it is in a secluded wooded valley overlooking a lake. | | Thoughts and Theories | |
 The design of Old Wardour is said to be unique in England since it is modelled on the fourteenth century French style, popular with Lord Lovel who had been in France fighting in the Hundred Years War. It was at this time that many land owners were keen to show off their strength and power by building impressive strongholds and Old Wardour is a fine example.
 In the seventeenth century, much of the west side of Wardour was destroyed when the castle was twice taken over: once by the Parliamentarians under the command of Sir Edward Hungerford who managed to take control of Wardour following a six-day hold out by Lady Blanche Arundell. While left alone in the castle by her Royalist husband, she around 25 soldiers managed to defend Wardour against 1300 advancing Parliamentarians. Hungerford eventually gave way to Edmund Ludlow who was besieged by the Royalists for ten months. In March 1643 tunnels under the castle were mined by the opposing forces but were let off by accident by the Parliamentarians. The castle's outer walls were destroyed and on the 18 March 1644 the men laid down their arms.
Despite being severely damaged Old Wardour was partly rebuilt and made habitable once more.
 Today, Old Wardour Castle is seen as one of the most romantic ruins in England. In 1776, the Arundell family built New Wardour near-by but maintained Old Wardour as an antiquity, building in the grounds of the old ruin a grotto and later an impressive Banqueting Room. Old Wardour was used as a location for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. | | Multimedia | |
 GALLERY:
Click here to view the Old Wardour Castle gallery | | Add Your View | |
brianna
this is kool lol squzzi
all you people go at night on the 31 october there is a vigil then u will be scared so ul change ur mind ellen
it's good, but it needs to say which type of castle it is to add the real effect. e.g. motte & bailey, square keep pr Consentric. darcy
could not find a more beautiful castle in the whole of england , peaceful and serene, but you couldn't help but feel the sadness around it. Well worth seeing alexA
Gorgeous, romantic but unloved, beautifull but ugly, mysterious but boring mary siguaw
i find this castle beautifully romantic and shall forever think of it as a place for true love to grow
| | How to find it | |
OLD WARDOUR CASTLE, near Tisbury | | Where? | Located off A30 2 miles SW of Tisbury (OS Map 184; ref ST 939263.)
Click here to for streetmap.co.uk location map. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. | | What time? | 1st April to 30th September2003
1000 until 1800 BST
1st to 31st October 2003
1000 until 1700 GMT
1st November 2003 to 31st Mar 2004
1000 until 1300 GMT
1400 until 1600 GMT Wednesday to Sunday
24th to 26th December 2003 & 1st January 2004
Closed | | How much? | Adults £2.60
Children £1.30
Concession £2.00 | | Phone | 01747 870487 | | Website | www.english-heritage.org.uk/ | | Fact | |
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